In October 2021, The UK Government announced a landmark commitment to decarbonise the UK’s electricity system by 2035. Following on 18 months later, the CCC has said the goal of achieving a decarbonised power system by 2035 is feasible, but it cannot be accomplished at the current rate of progress.
Firstly, What does it mean to decarbonize the energy system?
Decarbonizing the energy system refers to the process of reducing or eliminating carbon emissions from energy production, distribution, and consumption. This involves transitioning from fossil fuels, which are the primary source of carbon emissions, to renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower. The aim is to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere, which contribute to global warming and climate change. Decarbonizing the energy system is a critical step in achieving net-zero emissions, as the energy sector is responsible for a significant portion of global greenhouse gas emissions. By decarbonizing the energy system, we can reduce our carbon footprint and move towards a sustainable future.
What energy sources does the UK Power Grid use currently?
Natural gas currently accounts for the vast majority of the power entering the national grid from a single energy source. Natural gas is a fossil fuel that is primarily imported and when consumed to produce power can release detrimental GHGs like carbon dioxide (CO2).
Gas provided 42.6% of electricity generation by Major Power Producers, with renewables at 40.5%, nuclear at 14.5% and coal at 1.6%.
How much electricity does the UK use?
Since 2005, when energy consumption in the UK peaked at 357 terawatt hours, it has been decreasing. With 294.4 terawatt-hours in 2021, the UK’s power consumption reached its second-lowest point in this century. In the UK, the use of electricity often exhibits a seasonal pattern, peaking in the winter.
Last year in 2022, the UK used
The latest update
The Climate Change Committee has issued a warning that the goal of achieving a fossil-free grid by 2035 is unattainable with the current rates of renewable energy and nuclear power deployment. In response, the energy industry is calling for more assertive government action to achieve the target of decarbonizing the energy grid by 2035.
The report, which spans 131 pages, effectively answers the question often raised by climate action skeptics: “What happens when the wind doesn’t blow and the sun doesn’t shine?” According to the CCC, wind and solar energy, which are inexpensive but variable, can meet 70% of demand, while nuclear and biomass can satisfy another 20%, but are relatively inflexible. As a result, the final 10% is critical.
This 10% will mainly come from “flexible low-carbon” options like batteries, compressed air storage, and responsive demand. However, gaps that last several days to weeks will be filled by gas with carbon capture and storage (CCS) and/or hydrogen power.
In addition, the committee recommends a small remaining role for unabated gas power in 2035, capable of meeting “up to around 2%” of yearly demand, down from 40% currently. The report devotes nearly a quarter of its pages to the importance of hydrogen, but warns of the risks of medium-term hydrogen scarcity, which would be exacerbated if the government prioritizes utilizing hydrogen to heat homes.
Overall, the CCC states that a flexible, secure, and decarbonized electricity grid by 2035 is “within sight,” but only with “urgent reform.”
How close are we to zero emissions?
The UK is making progress towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, as required by law. According to a report by the Committee on Climate Change (CCC), the UK’s path to net-zero emissions is in line with the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, which committed nations to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. The report noted that the UK has a credible strategy to meet its goals, particularly in key areas representing 39% of the necessary emissions cuts. Some of the UK’s strongest achievements include the growing electric car market, with zero-emission vehicles representing 12% of all new cars sold in 2021, and steps to decarbonise electricity generation, which is set to be complete by 2035. However, more work needs to be done to reduce emissions in other sectors, such as aviation and agriculture, to achieve net-zero emissions.
What needs to change to decarbonise UK electricity by 2035?
The UK’s target of decarbonizing its electricity system by 2035 will require significant acceleration in renewable energy deployment, particularly offshore wind and solar power, and investment in transmission infrastructure, storage, and carbon capture and storage (CCUS) technology. Battery storage will play a crucial role in balancing the grid, but longer-duration storage options are needed, and interconnectors to hydro-rich Norway may also be necessary. Gas power plants with CCUS technology are expected to fill the dispatchable generation gap left by retiring CCGT plants, and hydrogen is seen as an important piece of the puzzle, particularly for peaking capacity. Demand-side engagement, including dynamic load-shifting and new technologies, will be key to maintaining stability in periods of low renewable energy output.
In another report released in 2022 by the CCC they identified three groups of targets, with around a quarter being at risk of missing their goals. The agriculture sector was highlighted as a significant omission, responsible for around 12% of the UK’s carbon dioxide emissions. There were also concerns about the lack of progress in making UK homes more energy-efficient, and the over-reliance on technologies that are still in the early stages of development. The CCC called for new policies to improve building efficiency, including making mortgages dependent on energy efficiency levels.
Will the UK benefit from a decarbonised electricity system by 2035?
By transitioning to a clean energy grid, the UK will reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and safeguard its long-term energy security. A decarbonized electricity system will also support the growth of the green economy and create new job opportunities in industries such as renewable energy and energy storage. Additionally, by reducing its reliance on fossil fuels, the UK will be less vulnerable to price shocks and supply disruptions.